Where to request your property tax statement
Your property tax statement comes from your county assessor's office or tax collector's office — the exact name depends on your state. Most counties now let you view and download statements online through their assessor website without calling or visiting in person. If your county has not yet set up online access, you can request a printed copy by phone, mail, or in person at the county office.
Start by searching "[your county name] assessor" or "[your county name] tax collector" online. The office website will have a link to view statements, often labeled "Property Records," "Tax Information," or "Parcel Search." You will need your parcel number or street address to pull up your property.
If you cannot find the online portal or prefer to request by mail, call the assessor's office directly. Most counties have a main line listed on their website. Have your property address and parcel number ready when you call — the staff member can mail you a statement within a few business days at no cost.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor or tax collector's office issues property tax statements, and most now offer online access through their website.
- You will need your parcel number or street address to search for your property online and view your statement immediately.
- If online access is not available in your county, you can call the assessor's office and request a printed statement by mail.
- Property tax statements are issued once or twice per year depending on your state, and the timing varies by county.
What information you need to find your statement online
Most county assessor websites have a search tool that requires either your parcel number or your street address. Your parcel number is a unique identifier assigned to your property — it appears on your deed, previous tax statements, and mortgage documents. If you do not have your parcel number, the street address alone is usually enough to locate your property in the county database.
Once you enter your address or parcel number, the system will display your property record, which includes the assessed value, tax amount, and payment due date. Some counties also show the property description (lot size, number of bedrooms, year built) and recent sales history. You can usually download or print the statement directly from the website.
How often statements are issued and when to expect them
Property tax statements are typically issued once or twice per year, depending on your state and county. Most states issue statements annually, usually in the spring or early summer before the tax due date. A few states, including California and Texas, issue statements twice per year — once for the fall payment and once for the spring payment.
Check your county assessor's website or call the office to confirm the exact schedule for your county. If you have not received a statement by the expected date, contact the assessor's office to verify your mailing address is correct in their system. Statements can be delayed if the county is processing reassessments or if your address on file does not match your current residence.
Requesting a statement by phone or mail
If you prefer not to search online, call your county assessor's office during business hours and ask for a property tax statement. Have your property address and parcel number ready. The staff member will confirm your mailing address and send the statement within five to ten business days at no charge.
You can also request a statement by mail. Write a letter to your county assessor's office that includes your property address, parcel number (if you have it), and your mailing address. Mail it to the address listed on the county website. Include a phone number so the office can contact you if they need clarification.
What to do if you cannot locate your parcel number
If you do not have your parcel number, you have several options. The easiest is to search your property by street address on the county assessor's website — most systems will display the parcel number once you find your property. You can also call the assessor's office and provide your street address; the staff will look up your parcel number and can email or mail it to you.
Your parcel number also appears on your property deed, which you received when you bought the house. If you have a copy of your deed, look for the parcel number in the legal description section. Your mortgage lender or title company can also provide your parcel number if you ask.
Understanding what appears on your statement
A property tax statement shows the assessed value of your property (the value the county uses to calculate taxes), the tax rate for your area, and the total tax amount owed. It also lists the tax due date and payment instructions. Some statements show whether you are current on payments or have an outstanding balance.
The assessed value is not the same as the market value or the price you paid for the house. Counties reassess properties periodically — the frequency varies by state — and use the assessed value to determine your tax bill. If you believe the assessed value is incorrect, most counties allow you to file a challenge or appeal, though the process and deadlines vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view my property tax statement online without creating an account?
Most county assessor websites allow you to search and view property records without creating an account. You simply enter your address or parcel number into the search tool. Some counties require a free account to download or print statements, but this is less common.
What if my property tax statement shows an amount I do not recognize?
Contact your county assessor's office to ask about the amount. The statement may reflect a reassessment, a change in tax rate, or a correction to a previous error. The office can explain what changed and how the amount was calculated. If you disagree with the assessed value, ask about the appeal process and deadlines in your county.
Do I need my property tax statement to pay my taxes?
You do not need the physical statement to pay taxes, but it contains the account number and payment instructions. If you pay through your mortgage lender's escrow account, the lender handles payment and you may not receive a separate statement. If you pay directly, the statement tells you where and how to submit payment.
How long does it take to receive a statement by mail?
Most counties mail statements within five to ten business days of your request. If you need the statement urgently, check the county website to see if you can view it online instead. Online access is usually immediate once you search for your property.
What if I moved and did not receive my statement?
Contact your county assessor's office and provide your new address. Update your address in their system so future statements are mailed to the correct location. Ask the office to mail a copy of the current statement to your new address. If you have a mortgage, also notify your lender of the address change so they update their records.